CLEVELAND, Oh. — The Golden Grizzlies fell just short of earning their first conference points, as they fell 0-1 to Cleveland State (CSU) on the road behind a last-minute goal by the Vikings.

The first half of play featured a defensive battle, with neither team finding the back of the net. Oakland's offensive efforts were highlighted by Marco Mazzei's early attempt in the 1st minute, while Christopher Jean Leger tested CSU's goalkeeper Ryan Poling with a shot in the 31st minute as well. Cole Thompson held down the fort in goal for Oakland, making a pair of saves in the first half to keep the score even, with neither team racking up the offensive pressure.

The second half began with more of the same, as both teams continued to gauge the other. Jace foster and Gabe Baylon would add attempts on goal for the Golden Grizzlies in the 56th and 65th minutes, along with looks by Kevin Hubbell, Marco Mazzei, and Andriy Bilous bringing Oakland's total shots to nine on the night.

Just as the match looked like it was headed for a draw, CSU's Lennart Heck received a cross, redirecting the ball past Thompson for the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to give the Vikings the 0-1 victory.

Mazzei led the Golden Grizzlies with two shots. Christopher Jean-Léger, Foster, and Baylon tallied the only three shots on goal for Oakland as they were out-tallied in that category four to three. 

Oakland returns home for just their second match at the OU Soccer Field this season, hosting Milwaukee on September 27 at 2 p.m. at Oakland Soccer Field in Rochester, Mich.